August caesar



(No Model.)

A. CAESAR.

KEYTOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. 4 No. 256,973. Patented Apr.Z-5, 1882.

WITNESSES: INVENTOR W BY H ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

AUGUST'CAESAR, O F NEV YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR TO CAESAR BROS, OF SAME PLACE.

KEY FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 256,973, dated April 25, 1882.

Application filed February 20, 1882. (X0 model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AUGUST CAESAR, of the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Keys for Musical Instruments, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has reference to an improved key for pianos, .organs, and other musical instruments having a key-board, which key can be furnished at less expense than the ivory and ebony keys heretofore in use, while it always retains its color and is more durable than the same; ,and the invention consists of a key for musical instruments, the body of which is covered at the front and top with a thin enameled copper plate.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents a perspective view of my improved key for universal instruments, and Fig. 2 is a detail vertical longitudinal section of a part of the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

Owing to the high prices of ivory, attempts have been made to substitute other cheaper materials for the same in the manufacture of keysformusicalinstruments. The substitutes so far made have, like ivory, the disadvantage of getting yellow after some time and of wearing out by use. By covering all the keys-the white keys as well as the black keys-of the key-board, in place of ivory, ebony, or other substance, with thin plates, A, of copper or other metal which is enameled in white or black color, a permanent and durable covering is obtained. The enameled copper plates A are cemented or otherwise attached to the body B of the key at the top and front, and also at the sides, if required, and form thereby a key which retains always its original brightness, and which is not liable to wear out, even by very long and frequent use.

Having thus described myinvention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent As a new article of manu acture, a key for musical instruments, the body of which is covered by an enameled plate of copper or other metal, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

AUGUST CAESAR.

Witnesses PAUL GoErEL, CARL KARI. 

